| Material | Common Sizes | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Foil | 7/32", 1/4", 5/16" | Choose width based on glass thickness |
| H-Came | 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" | Channel width matches glass thickness |
| U-Came (Border) | 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" | Zinc or brass for panel edges |
| 60/40 Solder | 1 lb spool | For copper foil technique |
| 50/50 Solder | 1 lb spool | For lead came technique |
| Art Glass | 12" x 12" sheets | Standard sheet size, various colors |
Inputs
Result
Glass needed: 1.88 square feet (with 25% waste), Copper foil: 24.5 linear feet, 60/40 Solder: 4.4 ounces, Liquid flux: 2.9 ounces, Patina: 1.5 ounces, Border zinc came: 5.0 linear feet.
Inputs
Result
Glass needed: 7.5 square feet (with 25% waste), H-came: 42.4 linear feet, 50/50 Solder: 15.0 ounces, Oleic acid flux: 3.0 ounces, Border brass came: 10.0 linear feet.
Inputs
Result
Glass needed: 15.0 square feet (with 25% waste), Copper foil: 151.8 linear feet, 60/40 Solder: 27.3 ounces, Liquid flux: 18.2 ounces, Patina: 9.1 ounces, Border zinc came: 14.0 linear feet.
Add 25% waste factor for typical stained glass projects. This accounts for cutting losses, breakage during cutting or grinding, and pattern matching for directional glass. Complex designs with many small pieces may require 30-35% waste. Beginners should add extra for practice cuts and mistakes.
Copper foil (Tiffany method) wraps thin copper tape around each glass piece edge, then solder joins them. It allows intricate curves and detailed work. Lead came uses H-shaped lead channels to hold glass pieces, traditional for geometric patterns. Copper foil uses 60/40 solder, lead came uses 50/50 solder.
Choose copper foil width based on glass thickness: 7/32 inch for thin 2mm glass, 1/4 inch (standard) for 3mm glass, and 5/16 inch for thick 4-6mm glass. The foil should wrap around the edge with equal overlap on front and back. Black-backed foil suits dark glass, copper-backed for warm colors, silver for cool tones.
For copper foil projects, estimate 0.015 ounces of 60/40 solder per linear inch of foil seam. A typical 2x3 foot panel with 50 pieces uses 10-15 ounces. Lead came projects need less solder, about 0.05 ounces per joint. One pound of solder (16 oz) covers approximately 1000 inches of copper foil beading.
Cathedral glass is transparent with textures, ideal for windows with light transmission. Opalescent glass is opaque and colorful, perfect for lampshades and decorative panels. Textured glass adds visual interest and diffuses light. Most projects mix glass types for contrast. Choose 3mm (1/8 inch) thickness for standard work.
Yes, border frames provide structural integrity and professional finish. Use zinc or brass U-came around panel perimeter. Zinc is stronger and preferred for hanging panels or windows. The border supports the panel weight and provides mounting points. Calculate border length as panel perimeter (2 x width + 2 x height).
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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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